Hand Injuries in Potters

We use our hands with little knowledge of their physiological structure and our education often begins when they are damaged. Making pottery is a labor intensive activity and, like other physically demanding pursuits, it takes a toll on the body – subjecting it to a variety of stresses. The outcome depends on the individual potter’s physical condition and the intensity and duration of the activities.

There are 27 bones in the human hand surrounded by synovial fluid which lubricates the tendons and joints and allows for extreme degrees of flexibility and strength. The synovial fluid is maintained between cartilage surfaces and acts as a shock-absorber. It also performs other functions such as reducing friction, supplying nutrients and removing waste material. The human hand is such a small area compared to the whole body – which can result in great potential for things to go wrong. It may be a single injury or small stress events accumulating over time. Anyone who uses their hands and arms strenuously or repetitively for extended periods of time is susceptible to hand injury. This group includes musicians, carpenters and data-entry personnel, as well as furniture movers, surgeons, and dentists.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

The potter’s first tool, and the one that is always used, is often the most easily damaged. Handmade pottery – the name itself describes the central part played by the hand in forming pottery. While it is hard to imagine making pottery without the use of your hands it is more likely at some point in their career potters will damage their hands. While the potter does have other tools – such